Connectivity Solutions For Transportation

Public transportation systems often operate under high heat or sub-zero temperatures and are exposed to heavy rain, snow and ice, high winds and dust. These can damage electrical connections.

Today’s transportation systems are built to be connected and intelligent, requiring the transfer of power, signal and data from a single cable. Designing a cable system with these capabilities while meeting tight space and weight constraints can be difficult. 

Trains, planes and delivery trucks use multiple electronic devices for navigation, communication, and monitoring. They also operate in close proximity to power lines, which can lead to electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI) that disrupts power and signal transmission. 

Connectivity solutions for the transportation industry must comply with numerous safety regulations from governing bodies including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). There are also specific standards for electrical equipment that may apply, including UL certifications and RoHS compliance.

Whether it's a vehicle or an airplane, each one of the hundreds or thousands of components has the potential to add to the size and weight. Design engineers need to be mindful of how bulky wiring or cable assemblies could contribute to reducing fuel efficiency and add to the costs of these already expensive systems.  

Circular connectors are commonly used in transportation because they are easy to connect and disconnect. They can accommodate a variety of applications, including those that require both signal and electrical power. However, because of their smaller surface area and fewer connection points, design engineers need to balance the need for higher voltage ratings with the flexibility they offer. The iMINI series is one example of a circular electronic connector that can meet high voltage demands with up to 12 contacts while still accommodating tight space requirements. 

Custom circular connectors or connectors that include additional bulkheads, jam nuts or flange mounts can offer more versatility. 

Rectangular connectors offer additional surface area and more access points, making them a good fit for applications that need to transmit power, signal and real-time data in one assembly. However, poorly designed rectangular connectors can create issues with connector seals, allowing water or elements to interfere. This can cause expensive vehicles, ships, or aircraft to short-circuit. 

Automotive connectors are built to withstand high vibration and high temperatures within motor vehicles while transmitting power, signal and data. While there are standard options available, they may require overmolding or custom engineering to ensure they meet industry standards and are compatible with other systems.

Aviation or aerospace connectors are designed to be reliable and durable amid extreme environmental conditions. They also must meet FAA safety standards for aircraft operations and related fixtures, such as airport lighting systems.

Connectors for marine applications need to be waterproof at specific depths, able to withstand high pressure, and resistant from saltwater corrosion. In some cases, they need to be able to be mated and unmated while underwater. NiobiCONN is an underwater electrical connector made from niobioum, which forms a thin, protective film when it comes into contact with water. The film allows two contacts to safely be connected and disconnected, making it ideal for marine applications, oil and gas, saltwater mining, transportation and more. 

iCONN’s in-house engineering team can build custom cable assemblies for a variety of transportation systems and specifications, including cables with EMI/RFI shielding and assemblies that need to meet unique needs for electrical wiring and configuration.